Grand Historic Hotels to Book in San Francisco
With a storied and rich cultural tapestry, San Francisco holds no shortage of accommodation with an intriguing historical background. From gold rush capital and hippie haven to business hub, the city is full of exciting things to do and multiple cultural and historical outposts. Keep the history lesson going with a stay at one of San Francisco’s most historic hotels, bookable with Culture Trip.
1. San Francisco Proper Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Housed in a structure reminiscent of New York’s famous Flatiron Building, the San Francisco Proper Hotel is an effortlessly trendy hotel that ranks among the city’s hottest spots. The Kelly Wearstler-designed interiors are eclectic perfection, with just the right amount of contrasting patterns. The highlight is the chic rooftop bar, furnished with black and white striped couches and an enormous fire-pit, making it a dreamy place to while away a few hours.
2. The Marker
Hotel
Founded in 1910 as the Bellevue Hotel, the Marker is a vibrant, historic hotel in San Francisco that dutifully pays homage to its 20th-century roots. Retaining many Art-Deco-influenced aspects, the interior complements the opulent Beaux-Arts exterior. Discover the city’s artistic history carved into the hotel’s core – each meeting room is named after characters and actors from the classic film noir movie, The Maltese Falcon (1941), which was shot in the neighborhood.
3. Chateau Tivoli
Bed and Breakfast
Cutting a striking figure as a Candyland-like palace, the Chateau Tivoli has been turning heads since 1892. Originally a private home, this majestic San Francisco hotel has had a colorful history over the years – from operating as a cultural center for the Yiddish Literary and Dramatic Society, to functioning as an important site for the New Age movement in psychology. Today, its Victorian splendor is fully restored, giving you a gilded backdrop for a historic stay.
5. Phoenix Hotel
Boutique Hotel
The Phoenix Hotel is a rock’n’roll legend, opening in 1956 as a very traditional American motel. It happened to attract some of the biggest stars in music – David Bowie, Neil Young, and Kurt Cobain have all spent the night here. Recently revived by hotelier Liz Lambert, the interiors at this historic property in San Francisco stay true to their musical roots, with vintage concert posters on display and an expansive record collection found near reception. Rooms are kept modern and simple to give you all the comfort and space you’ll need.
6. Hotel Whitcomb
Hotel
The historic Hotel Whitcomb is located in downtown San Fransisco, conveniently near hotspots such as the Theater District, South of Market, and Union Square. Take in the lobby’s high ceilings with polished Italian marble columns and dramatic Austrian crystal chandeliers, and sip on classic cocktails, wine, and craft beer in the bar. After the 1906 earthquake devastated the city, the Hotel Whitcomb was constructed to serve as a temporary City Hall, until it was converted to a hotel in 1915.
7. Palace Hotel
Hotel
8. Nob Hill Hotel
Hotel
Nob Hill Hotel was established in 1908 and has since been restored to its original state. This San Francisco historic hotel preserves its remarkably colorful rooms, where bright-patterned wallpaper and linens make for a visually striking experience. Union Square, the Theater District, and Chinatown are all within walking distance. Make sure to take advantage of the complimentary wine and cheese happy hour each evening from 5:30pm to 7pm, as well as the imported wine selection at the hotel’s Colombini Bistro.
9. Omni San Francisco Hotel
Hotel
The Omni Hotel is found in the heart of San Francisco’s financial district, built as the Financial Center Building in 1927. After $125m worth of renovation at the turn of the century, it became the impressive luxury downtown hotel it is today. Be it business, leisure, laundry, or childcare, the Omni caters for all your needs – while the nationally renowned steak house downstairs leaves you in prime position to enjoy some the city’s finest food.
Looking for more options? Discover our guide to the best hotels in San Francisco, or try one of these boutique places to stay, and book now on Culture Trip.
This is an updated version of a story originally created by Justin Hsuan.
Additional reporting by Gethin Morgan.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
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